The heir pt.2

Author note:- I'll be using Ryota instead of Kise from now, as with the change in the surname and all. So don't get confused.

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Ryota entered the luxurious mansion, looking here and there at the expensive decors. Ryota followed the maid to the living room, where Shizuka, an old man and a boy who looked to be about the same age as him, were having a conversation that suddenly stopped as they saw Ryota enter the room.

Ryota hurriedly went over to Shizuka, "Are you okay?"

Shizuka sighed and nodded. Ryota looked over at the old man sitting in front of them, the man was looking at him with a gentle smile as he nodded. "You've really grown to be a fine man, Ryota."

"Thank you, I guess," Ryota said still not sure as to how to respond to the current situation.

"Let me introduce myself, I am Isshin Arima, your grandfather. And this young man here is Teppei, your cousin."

Ryota hurriedly bowed in greeting.

"Umm, I am sorry to doubt you but I am not quite sure as to how are we related?" Ryota asked, "As far as I know, mom never mentioned about me having a grandfather."

"It's okay." Isshin shook his head, "My children were always quite rebellious, even Teppei here didn't know about me until today."

Teppei nodded at Ryota confirming what Isshin said.

"You're the son of Kaito Arima, my son." Isshin said, "To explain it in short, A long time ago, your father and I had a really bad fight and he left the family, moving to the US even going as far as to change his surname. I know about your mother and I also know about your relationship with your father as well. Though I am sure whatever I say won't change a thing, just know that he did what he did to protect you."

"Leaving his son and his wife, to protect them? What a cliche!" Ryota said, "Is this why you bought me and my aunt over? To explain things on my father's behalf?"

"Though it's hard to believe, these dangers are real." Isshin said as he looked at Teppei, "After all, my daughter just past away from these very dangers."

"At first, I thought it was just a car accident but the more I read the case, the more I realized it wasn't so simple." Teppei said, "My parents didn't just die in an accident, they were murdered."

"I am sorry." Ryota said.

"Things have been getting tough for us, as the killer has begun targeting my family." Isshin said, "With Kanae who was the next-in-line heir now passing away, you two are the only ones I have left."

"What about my father?" Ryota asked not sure himself of whether he was concerned or just curious.

"He's alive and has already been targeted two times, both of which he managed to survive but he has no intention of returning." Isshin said, "So he directed us to you, his son."

Ryota looked at Shizuka who nodded telling him that it's all true.

"So what do you want from us?"

"He wants to adopt both of you." Shizuka said, "By now you might have figured it out, that he wants one of you to be an heir and a part of this sick dangerous world."

"I can understand your concerns, as he too is the only family left for you." Isshin said to Shizuka, "But this situation is much worse than you think. You can't protect him."

"And that is the very reason, I won't let my nephew be a part of it." Shizuka argued, "I am also very well aware of your 'protection-scheme'. He's better off without joining your world of politics and manipulations."

"But the decision still lies with him." Isshin said, "Ryota, I won't deny that I have my selfish reasons to adopt you but the fact that the killer is still out there and he is no ordinary person is still the truth. From my informants, I have found that a few people have already begun spying on you. So it won't be long before he starts targeting you and everyone around you."

"If I accept, how will things differ?"

"Ryota-" Shizuka wanted to stop Ryota but he held her hands and shook his head.

"Of course, with you being adopted by me, you'll obviously gain attention, so killing you wouldn't be so easy, like attacking an ordinary person." Isshin said, "And with being a part of my family, you will have access to Arima's corporation full power, so you can protect those around you as well. Now the decision lies within you, Ryota."

Ryota sighed knowing full well, this wasn't a choice question at all. The old man in front of him was clearly the guy who managed to build such a large corporation by himself, after all, this wasn't a negotiation but a simple, whether you want to follow me or be pathetic and soon die placing your family and friends in danger.

Ryota looked at Shizuka as he held her hands tighter than before, "I agree to be adopted by you."

Shizuka just sighed knowing full well as to how this was going to go from the get-go. Knowing his personality, Ryota would obviously choose the path where he has a chance to protect them, She knew she couldn't blame Ryota as well, after all, she would've done the same thing if she was in his situation. She stood up walking away from them, "I need a smoke."

Ryota didn't stop her as he understood that Shizuka wasn't happy with his decision at all.

"Good." Isshin nodded, "The paperwork would be finished within a week. So from now on you're Arima Ryota, my son and this is your brother Arima Teppei."

Ryota and Teppei looked at each other awkwardly nodding.

"I don't think this is an appropriate time for this discussion after the heavy revelations but we need to do it sooner or later, after all, it's better to get this out of the way." Isshin said, "So now the question's lies on who is going to be the successor of Arima Corporation."

"Successor?" Teppei questioned, "I only agreed to be adopted by you because you said it could help catch my parent's murderer."

"Of course it will." Isshin replied, "But we need to stir the pot, for us to see any result and me announcing my heir is the best way to do so."

"I don't-"

"Don't rush right away, Teppei." Ryota interrupted him, "I understand why you are more focused on finding your parent's killer but as Isshin-san suggested, we're more likely to succeed if we create more attention to ourselves. Like being bait to draw out the predator."

"I-sigh! I understand." Teppei nodded

Isshin appreciated Ryota's view on things as he asked, "So Ryota, do you have a way we can solve the heir problem?"

"Like old times we could go by age or have both of us crazily compete for the successor title." Ryota said, "But history has shown that it has never ended well, with families falling apart due to greed. I am pretty sure Teppei wouldn't likely complain about me taking the title for myself as long as I help him find his parent's killer but that would be unfair."

"I seriously don't mind," Teppei said as Ryota shook his head.

"I know but as I said, this would be unfair to you." Ryota said, "I don't know if you'll like this idea or not, Isshin-san but how about dividing the company in two. After all, it's bound to happen sooner or later with future generations."

"It's a good idea." Isshin nodded, "I'd have to discuss with the executives but I can assure you that this solution is doable, as long as you both agree with it."

"Teppei, I know you're uncomfortable but believe me, this is the best way for you to get what you've been looking for." Ryota said, "And a way for both of us to have a co-operating future.'

Teppei took a deep breath as he nodded.

Isshin admired Ryota even further as he saw himself in him but Ryota had quite the other thoughts. Ryota obviously wasn't money or power-hungry after all, he had more things to be wary of than just wealth in this world. But there was no way, in hell he was going to let go of such an opportunity.

This not only provided him protection from the current threat but also against any future threat he has to deal with in this world. Furthermore, this was a way for him, to protect his family, Shizuka as currently, she was the most thing precious to him. Ryota obviously wasn't too business savvy but with his mature thoughts he knew what to say and how to say it at the exact same time.